The Southern Belle is a stereotypical archetype for a young, upper-class white woman from the American South during the Antebellum period (the decades preceding the American Civil War). This archetype is defined by a specific code of conduct emphasizing Southern hospitality, charm, and a flirtatious yet chaste demeanor, with the ultimate goal of securing a suitable marriage.

The associated fashion was designed to highlight the wearer's social status and delicate femininity, characterized by elaborate gowns with corsets, wide hoop skirts, and accessories like gloves and parasols.

This idealized image was a product of a plantation-based slave economy; the Southern Belle's privileged and leisurely lifestyle was directly dependent on the wealth generated by enslaved labor. This archetype was later heavily romanticized in 20th-century popular culture, most notably in the novel and film Gone with the Wind , which cemented the image in American folklore while often obscuring its foundation in the institution of slavery.

The Southern Belle came about in the mid-19th century among the Southern plantation class. These women were the daughters of wealthy landowners who lived lives of leisure due to the fact that their families owned slaves. When they grew up, they married other wealthy landowners, forming a network of families with shared values who controlled society and politics.

The American Civil War put an end to the Southern Belle - without slaves, the lifestyle could not continue. The cost of rebuilding plantations destroyed during the war was immense, due to economic inflation. Many families relocated to England, marrying into the British aristocracy and European nobility. Those that remained in the South struggled but clung to their roots - their family names.

The modern Southern Belle might have her own career, but domestic skills like cooking and hosting parties are considered valuable ones. After marriage, she might quit her job to become a stay-at-home mother. She might distance herself from negative stereotypes by embracing Americana style Southern Pride rather than Confederacy style Southern Pride. There is some crossover with the Tradwife movement, evidenced in the desire to please her husband and reflect well on him.

There is also the Black Southern Belle , a Black upper class woman who values Black history and tradition. She is a supporter of Black owned businesses, and the preservation of Black history. She may be a graduate of a HBC (Historically Black College) and/or a member of the Black Sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha.

The issue with the appreciation and romanticization of the Antebellum South is of course the issue of how they received their wealth: chattel slavery. The plantation homes, elaborate dresses, and bounty of food were all produced by slaves, who were abused, killed, and dehumanized for the sake of enriching the white slave-owning class.

People who are able to gloss over this aspect often are oblivious or willfully ignorant of the horrors of slavery. This continues racism present in this day, as understanding the history of the South explains why Black Americans continue to be disenfranchised in contemporary society.

Aesthetic appreciation for Antebellum Southern society is also one of the ways modern Confederate supporters encourage sympathy for the "Lost Cause."

The 19th century Southern Belle wore huge poofy dresses stretched out over hoopskirts or crinolines. Nowadays this is worn only as a costume for a Founder's Day parade or history related special event.